Extra Curricular Life Of Overseas Student-Teachers

Abstract

Overseas student-teaching is becoming increasingly popular among American college students.  Unfortunately, relatively little is known empirically regarding how these students find their experiences—academically or outside of the teaching classroom.  Consequently, the present research study used rigorous qualitative methods in order to appraise extra-curricular experiences from a sample of 13 students who completed their student teaching overseas.  Results showed students to experience surface relationships with nationals and deeper connections with faculty.  While the student teachers reported participating in various excursions alongside nationals, they generally categorized their connections with these people on surface levels, explaining that relationships were hindered by language barrier inhibitions. In contrast, when our participants described their interactions with faculty, they spoke in terms of meaningful connections and bonding experiences.